Kathmandu. Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has said that the government has laid emphasis on building a self-reliant economy by giving special priority to Nepali products.

In an interaction with the newly elected committee of Women Entrepreneurs Association Bagmati, he said the neighbouring countries could produce goods as per the demand of the Nepali market, but there was a shortage in Nepal. Although the import could not be stopped due to the open market, the goods that can be produced here should be produced in such a way that the demand can be met, he stressed.

Minister Bhandari said, “Most of the items needed during our festivals are produced by the neighboring countries, similarly we should increase the production.” There are plenty of employment opportunities in Nepal, only they should be identified and utilized. ’

Stating that the government has introduced concessional schemes for women entrepreneurs, he informed about the provision that women do not have to pay fees while registering a company or firm, startup loan program and various incentive schemes included in the budget. “Look at the red book of all the ministries and identify the programs that are compatible with your sector and take advantage of it,” he said.

Chairperson of Women Entrepreneurs Association Shobha Gyawali said that a campaign has been launched to unite entrepreneurs by expanding the organization in all the provinces. He stressed the need to make small and medium enterprises self-reliant by providing them training and technology.